Alternative, soft rock singer Lana Del Rey co-wrote the song “Young and Beautiful” with co-producer and film director Baz Luhrmnn for The Great Gatsby’s soundtrack. The track was released April 22, 2013 and is being used as the film’s single. Since the film was released, the singer gained nationwide recognition. Del Rey has an expansive vocal range that has been described as captivating and highly emotive. “I sing low now, but my voice used to be a lot higher. Because of the way I look, I needed something to ground the entire project,” Del Rey told clashmusic.com, “Otherwise people would assume I was some airhead.” The somber sounding track reached number fifty-nine on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Del Rey’s highest peak on the chart since “Video Games” peaked at ninety-one in 2012. Del Rey sings about the nostalgia for the intimate moments she hopes last forever. The track ties in with the film and represents the lustful nature of the characters, but it seems to be played out of context. It would have been more appropriate if the track had been played in an intimate scene between Gatsby and Daisy rather than the scene where Gatsby showed Daisy the superficial luxuries in his home. Del Rey’s 2013 US-UK tour is from May to early June.
Will you still love me
May 24, 2013
About the Contributor
Vivian Buenrostro, Co-Editor-in-Cheif
Senior Vivian Buenrostro is not only a writer for The Downey Legend online newspaper, but has also taken on the responsibility of Co-Editor-In-Chief. Having been a part of the newspaper staff since her sophomore year, she has experience with the different positions and has even held the positions of Arts and Entertainment Section Editor and Song of the Week Editor. “Newspaper has been one awesome ride these past three years,” Buenrostro said. “I’ve learned skills that are applicable to everything and anything.” Although Co-Editor-In-Chief is a tough and tedious job, Buenrostro is ready to take on the challenge. Throughout this year on staff she hopes to build a close bond with all of the staff members and have productive deadlines.
When she is not running the staff or writing stories, Buenrostro enjoys jogs around her neighborhood, making healthy shakes and other concoctions, or swimming in the waves at Huntington Beach. “Time doesn’t really exist when I’m in the ocean,” Buenrostro said. Buenrostro also loves live music; she has been to various concerts including Young the Giant, Arctic Monkeys, and Walk the Moon. Buenrostro plans to graduate and attend an out of state school far from California. “As much as I love Downey High,” Buenrostro said, “I can’t wait to go to college in a new environment.” While away at college she hopes to major in biology and medicine to start her path towards her career goal of being a doctor. Buenrostro aims to make her final year at Downey High School rewarding in both her academics and her position on The Downey Legend staff.